If you'd told me that Frozen was going to become Disney's top grossing film of all time, as well as the top grossing animated film of all time, I'd have laughed. While the trailer looked somewhat promising, it didn't look like it'd progress anywhere past a modest Disney sized hit. Then the film was released, and everything started to change. Frozen's fandom built itself overnight, leading to all sorts of parodies, awards, and box office glory that most animated films only dream of. The film became an overnight sensation, and is now identified as one of the studio's top 5 franchises. Which means that it's time to strike while the iron is hot and cash in!
Huff Post Entertainment was the bearer of the news that Bob Iger and Disney are more than keen on executing a five year plan to extend the life of the Frozen brand. Through a massive, three pronged strategy of merchandise, theatrical release, and synergistic opportunities with their own cable channel and theme parks, the house that Walt built is working towards one thing and one thing only: fattening audiences up for Frozen 2 in between servings of Marvel pie! While no official release date has been set for Frozen 2, it's safe to assume that this is exactly what all of the hoopla in the coming year or so will be building up to. When does the fun begin for those not ready to let it go? Apparently, it's already begun.
The article goes on to talk about how phase two of the Frozen saga has begun with an "all star" re-recording of Do You Want To Build A Snowman?. By "all star," I mean anyone who's on a Disney Channel show at this current moment was drafted to take part in a recreation of a song that was originally a duet. Watch a "Making of" clip here!
If this doesn't go viral by the end of the week, then the cat photos truly have taken over the internet. Which means that Disney is going to need some sort of way to keep those who don't watch the Disney Channel involved, and boy howdy do they have that covered as well!
Prepare for a Frozen karaoke CD, Frozen vanities and sing-along storybooks, and the coup d'grace – a stage show, an ice show, and a theatrical re-release of the sing along exclusively at the El Capitan theater in Hollywood. If you or your kids are fans of Frozen, than clearly you're in for an exciting five years of mass marketed excitement. If you're not... well, there's always a chance this whole Frozen craze could burn itself out and return from whence it came. It worked for Juno.
For The First Time In Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration is currently running in Disney's Hollywood Studios seven times a day, Frozen The Sing-Along will be back for two weeks at the El Capitan Theater starting on August 22nd, and Frozen On Ice will start on September 4th. Bundle up, folks. It's about to get frosty!
